democratization

• democratisation

From democratiz(e) +‎ -ation or democrat +‎ -ization.

• (General American) IPA^(key): /dɛmɑkɹətaɪːˈzɛɪːʃən/

• Audio (Southern England):

  (file)

• Rhymes: -eɪʃən

democratization (usually uncountable, plural democratizations)

1. (strictly)
   1. The introduction of democracy, its functions or principles, to an area or country which did not have democracy previously.
   2. The spread of democracy as a concept.
   3. The making more democratic of a political system.
      • 2026, “Unraveling The Democratic Era?”, in V-Dem Institute‎^[1], archived from the original on 17 March 2026, page 19:

        Autocratization is more prevalent than democratization in every region of the world.

2. (loosely) The broadening of access to something, especially for the sake of egalitarianism.